To the bathhouse!

I just got back from the Hammam, a local bathhouse, a remnant of an era when bodies were not so much oppressed as today. Today’s bodies are oppressed by gym fascism and social norms. Hammams were an essential part of the culture in the Middle East/Arab region. Please save your Orientalism for later!

Now it’s neglected, but it still attracts people from all strata of society. No need to mention that it had become a great venue of gay people so they can catch some moments of desire; a place where they can express their repressed desire and avoid the claustrophobia of having no decent spaces to get together.

The hammam brings out a side of me I never knew existed before. A wild uninhibited side. I was intimidated at first. The clientele is mostly working class men in different age with a few middle class guys and rarely an appearance from the upper class. I found the working class more liberating to be with. Though I can never click with them on any other level, I found it kind of easier to deal with, and to share momentary pleasure. A big part of the thrill is the real-life browsing. It saves you from all the pain and disappointments of online browsing. I also love the cues and signs we exchange to express interest. It’s daring and sexy.

I also unleashed my liking for exhibitionism. I found it so exciting knowing that people watch me and want to touch me. It’s so liberating to be able to walk around naked. I suffered with my body image for years. It’s crazy that I find the medicine for it there. Going there makes me feel beautiful and sexy.

It also makes me realize how powerful sexuality is. It connects people despite their differences and they rediscover themselves and how they view themselves.

It really empowers you.